There are two last days of summer break for students in the Oconee County School District: they are due back in class Wednesday, with in-person instruction planned in schools in Oconee County. Oconee County teachers are in classrooms today and tomorrow, putting the finishing touches on pre-planning and setting coronavirus mitigation measures in place.
From the Oconee Co School District website…
The Oconee County Board of Education recently gave final approval to a fiscal year 2021 budget of $83,654,545 with a millage rate of 16.5. The FY21 budget provides resources for Oconee County Schools to accommodate a growing student population – one of the fastest-growing in Northeast Georgia.
Included in the budget are:
“Oconee County Schools remains committed to fiscal responsibility and sound financial planning, both of which are reflected in this budget,” said Superintendent Jason L. Branch. “Our system is one of only three in Georgia to receive a 5-Star Financial Efficiency Rating for three years in a row. This is a clear reflection that the financial practices of our school system support both high student achievement and fiscal responsibility.”
- 10% cut to state funding – $4,523,257
- Step raises for all eligible staff - $825,000
- Eighteen additional staff positions due to growth in the areas of special education, regular education, counseling, and maintenance – $1,560,000
- Fund balance maintained at 23.42% for future growth and planning
The budget is 72% for direct instruction, 6% for instructional support, and 22% for support services.
In addition, the credit position for Oconee County Schools remains strong. The bond rating of Aa2 by Moody's Investors services will remain the same, which is higher than the median rating of Aa3 for U.S. school districts.
More information on the budget is available at www.oconeeschools.org/budget.